Question 1

WHAT IS C.S.A?

Accepted Answer

A CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is a way to buy fresh food directly from local farmers. When you sign up, you pay upfront for a “share” of the harvest for the season, which means you get a regular supply of seasonal fruits and veggies—weekly and possibly bi-weekly.

You become a valued member of Tsedah Farms to help us get things started each year by investing ahead of the season.  It's a win-win, we can plan ahead for the planting and you reap the harvest of fresh, nutritious vegetables every week.

Question 2

WHY AM I HEARING MORE ABOUT C.S.A.’S?

Accepted Answer

You're hearing more about CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) due to:
Support for Local Farmers: Increased demand for fresh, local produce.
Health Focus: Emphasis on organic and sustainable practices.
Pandemic Effects: COVID-19 highlighted vulnerabilities in food supply chains.
Community Connections: CSAs build relationships between consumers and farmers.
Variety: More farmers are joining CSAs, offering diverse products.
Digital Reach: Enhanced online marketing raises awareness.
These trends are driving the popularity of CSAs.

Question 3

WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER A CSA?

Accepted Answer

Why Join Our CSA?
Fresh, Local, and Often Organic Produce: Enjoy the best in-season fruits and vegetables, grown right in your community. Our produce is fresher and more flavorful than what you’ll find at the grocery store.
Support Local Farmers: By joining, you’re directly supporting small-scale, sustainable farming in your area. Your share helps keep local farms thriving.
Save Money: While there’s an upfront cost, many members find that buying a CSA share actually saves money compared to grocery store prices over time.
Try New Foods: Get the chance to explore new fruits and veggies you might not usually buy. It’s a fun way to expand your culinary horizons!
Know Where Your Food Comes From: You'll have a direct connection to the land and farmers growing your food. Transparency and trust are at the heart of what we do.

Question 4

WHAT IS IN A TYPICAL SHARE BOX?

Accepted Answer

Each week, your CSA share will include a variety of fresh, seasonal produce such as arugula, kale, spring mix, spinach, radishes, onions, beets, carrots, turnips, cucumbers, tomatoes, squashes, and fresh herbs. The produce will change throughout the season, so you’ll always have something new to enjoy. For the 2025 season, we offer two share sizes: the 18-week standard share with 6-8 items each week, perfect for smaller households, and the 18-week large share, which includes about double the portion of the standard share for larger families or those who want a more abundant variety. We’ll also have exciting add-on shares available to customize your order even further. Our goal is always to be generous with our harvest, so you can count on an abundance of fresh, flavorful food throughout the season!

Question 5

WHERE DO THE VEGETABLES COME FROM?

Accepted Answer

We grow our vegetables right here in Crystal Lake on a quarter acre and harvest each week only the amounts we need.

Our focus is growing non-GMO and heirloom/organic seeds using low-til and pesticide-free methods.

Sustainability for long-term growing and providing a local, healthy food source are our main goals.

Question 6

WHAT IF I NEED TO MISS/SKIP A WEEK?

Accepted Answer

We love our customers and will work with you to make up the missed items in your next week’s box by adding a few extras for you.

If you can’t get someone to pick your box or take it from at-home delivery site, please let us know a few days in advance.  We will donate your box to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and then make sure we give you some extras the next week.

Question 7

CAN SOMEONE PICK UP FOR ME IF I CAN’T MAKE IT?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Just have them give us your name when they come by the market for pick up

Question 8

SHOULD I HAVE A COOLER WITH ME ON PICK-UP DAY?

Accepted Answer

If you will be continuing to shop after you pick up your share, we do advise have a way to keep your veggies cool.

Question 9

CAN I SIGN UP ANY TIME THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

Accepted Answer

The answer is YES!  You can sign up any time during the season.  CSA shares are limited and the add-on shares are on a first-come first-served basis.

There is no added cost to sign up mid-season and your order will be pro-rated.

Please email us at info@tsedahfarms.com for more information on this option.

Frequently asked questions